REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

jasonturbo · 07-08-2010, 09:28 PM

Thanks so far everyone,

Yes, the exchange rate, duties, etc are all a factor, if at the end of the day nothing really makes sense.. then I might not import a car at all.

The idea isn't purely to make money here, I just dont want to lose any. It will just be nice to spend some time in Cali and have a new set of wheels to drive for a little bit! Something a little too classy for my normal life lol.

Here's a question for everyone, last time I imported a car I lived in AB, there I can just throw my AB plate on the car from the states and drive it up and thats ok by Albertan insruance and registry policies.

Here in BC, will ICBC issue you a temp permit to bring the car up? I'm assuming there is a way?

chargedpower · 07-09-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdizzle_996

E55 AMG

not worth it

satek · 07-09-2010, 09:16 AM

Evo 8/9

josel_atr · 07-09-2010, 10:06 AM

^+1

its easy to find clean evo's from cali. they simply need drl to be legal here in bc.

unit · 07-09-2010, 10:19 AM

i would only import a car from the states if i planned to keep it for myself, and not for resale.

i speak from experience

jasonturbo · 07-09-2010, 10:51 AM

Actually, the EVO 8 was something that actually looked a little promising.

So far, from what I can tell, it's not looking so good, the mark up in price just is not there on almost anything it seems.

It is always possible I could end up deciding to keep the vehicle I imported and sell one of my current cars... never know.

Pt20 · 07-10-2010, 08:49 AM

It's all in the risks you're willing to take.. you gotta spend money to make money, right?
I have a family friend who's made a small fortune doing this, but he mods/fixes them up himself before he sells. I've never seen anything too high end either.

insomniac · 07-10-2010, 01:59 PM

f50-q45

Groot · 07-10-2010, 02:19 PM

if you have some extra cash lying around...you should just give it to me instead!

Death2Theft · 07-10-2010, 02:48 PM

Ditch the itr and get a s2k.

SpuGen · 07-10-2010, 05:46 PM

Pontiac GTO's.

The domestic crowd would jump on the opportunity to grab one, but they don't want to deal with the hassle of importing one.

suzuka84 · 07-11-2010, 07:48 PM

forget about making money, any person with internet access can import their own car.

jpark · 07-11-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funktion

f50-q45

bigg +1

J____ · 07-11-2010, 08:30 PM

why do you need to register a lexus for 6 months before you can get the recall letter? I called the dealership in Cali that issues the letter and she said as soon as i have the car title transfered under my name, they'll process the letter and either fax to me (instant) or mail me (1 week).

Also isnt there an ADDITIONAL surcharge on importing SUV's? like a few grand for "fuel inefficient" vehicles?

Amaru · 07-11-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgresch

edit: re-read it, no duty on x5 only, but if its a newer model without daytime runners, an extra 2000-3000 to replace the cluster/module..

Just in case there's any debate still over this issue: the country in which the vehicle was manufactured will determine whether or not duties will be applied.

For example, the X- and Z-class BMW's are made in the US, and therefore are exempt from duties. 3-series cars, on the other hand, are still made in Germany and thus would be subject to duties.

Same concept applies to all car makes and models. Simply find where the car was manufactured and you can determine whether or not there will be duty charges at the border.

Lomac · 07-11-2010, 10:46 PM

Honestly, stay away from newish cars and look for rust-free classics from the South. People up here will pay huge money for muscle and classic cars with no rust frame and minimal body rust.

People wanting newer cars will likely either just go to a dealer that specializes in importing them, or will simply do it themselves. Those wanting a classic are, shall we say, slightly matured in age, and will likely not have the know-how to look online and do all the import stuff themselves.

jasonturbo · 07-11-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Death2Theft

Ditch the itr and get a s2k.

To be honest, I am very close to doing just this and picking up an S2k or NSX.

Yeah on the subjuect of the confusion involved with duties, I dont know why some people dont understand the difference between country of manufacture, and the home office of said manufacturer lol.

The more I look into doing this, the more it seems like a money losing venture, unless youre willing to sit on XXX car for months on end waiting for the perfect buyer to come along (while said vehicle depreciates by the day lol)

I've been looking hard for the right NSX or S2K...